Strains and Sprains

Sprains and strains cause pain, joint dysfunction, and other symptoms that can worsen if not properly treated. At AssociatesMD, comprehensive care is available for ligament strains and muscle sprains that limit what you can do. The experienced medical team provides solutions that support the total healing of your tissues. Call the AssociatesMD office today or book an appointment online.

What is the difference between sprains and strains?

Sprains and strains are similar but involve different tissues:

Sprain

A sprain occurs when you stretch or tear a ligament, the bands of tissue that connect two joint bones together.

Strain

A strain involves stretching or tearing a muscle or tendon, which attaches muscles to bones.

Sprains and strains often result from unexpected injuries, high-impact workouts, or repetitive movements.

What are the symptoms of sprains and strains?

Symptoms include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Bruising (for sprains)
• Muscle spasms (for strains)

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at AssociatesMD if you have any of these symptoms.

How are sprains and strains treated?

The treatment for mild sprains and strains is typically the same. The AssociatesMD team may recommend Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation – also known as the R.I.C.E. method.

Your provider might suggest over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to keep you comfortable. You may also need to keep weight off the affected joint to give the tissues time to heal. It can take several days or weeks of recovery before you can return to sports and other activities.

If you have a severe sprain or strain, the team can refer you for surgery to repair torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

Call the AssociatesMD office near you today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of strains or sprains. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment.